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Time was, if you were looking for stomach-in-the-mouth rollercoasters, Legoland was not for you. This is the entry-level theme park for families with kids below the age of 12, with bucket-loads to keep toddlers happy.

But the addition of some well-executed new attractions designed with education AND entertainment in mind - and some thrills too - means it is is still top of the charts for pre-teen bragging rights too.

Now in its third decade, the theme park (on the former site of Windsor Safari Park) is owned by Merlin Entertainments - as so many are in Britain. But, set in lovely grounds, it still has some of the charm of its the original Danish parent park, with plenty of Lego brick giraffes, crocodiles and pirates scattered among the rides.

What's new

The big news for 2018 is the new, improved Miniland - including Miniland Explore the World and Miniland USA – which are home to amazing new recreations of landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House and Taj Mahal.

The LEGO Reef is another new addition this year and a must see – you can build virtual fish using a touch screen and virtual LEGO bricks before casting it off into a reef around the room - similar to games at Lego House in Billund.

Parents and children will marvel at Miniland

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You’ll find a nice selection of gentle rides that pre-schoolers will love, and a blissful lack of marauding teenagers. There’s also a focus on partnerships with movie franchises, including its own (the 4D Movie, Star Wars and Ninjago feature prominently).

Lego City Driving School allows children a taste of independence, while rewarding them with their very own Lego license. The food is decent - the pizza and pasta buffet was our favourite - with a some healthy options for children around the park.

Set around an attractive lake, the Lego Castle Hotel - complete with talking throne, in-room treasure hunt and Lego playwalls is a great place to stay - let down only by disastrous service in the Tournament Tavern restaurant (a supposed anomaly as menu and wine list were good, and staff everywhere else in the resort were smiling and helpful to a fault).

You might also opt for one of the Ninjago-themed rooms at the nearby Legoland Hotel. An overnight stay at either hotel guarantees you early entry to the park - a virtue which cannot be underestimated at peak times.

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The queues can be long on some rides. And having too few staff on at many attractions doesn't help. Waiting more than an hour for Laser Raiders is standard. Paying £35 per person for a queue-jumping Q-Bot may seem a ruinously expensive solution, but in peak holiday season it’s advisable.

The swimming pool (what were we thinking? - who goes to Legoland to swim?) is dark, pokey and tired.

Also, around every corner, there is another kiosk aimed at relieving you of your money: face-painting, fairground stalls with nigh-on impossible games, drying machines (after the wet rides). And then there are all of the Lego shops.

Top tips

From the highest point of the lovely gardens there are spectacular views to Windsor and all the way to City of London skyscrapers.

The Imagination Centre has science and technology-based activities that will get children thinking. The regular outdoor shows are a hit with children and a break for the grown-ups.

Look out for the places where children can just sit down and play with Lego. Legoland has taken our hint and provided more of these recently.

Price

Day tickets from £32pp (if booked online a week in advance). Under 3s get free entry.

Opening times vary depending on the season. In October, hours are from 9.30am to 5pm, and on certain days 9.30am to 8pm. The park is closed for most of November and some of December. Check here: Opening Hours.

Legoland Castle Hotel from £130.50pp for a family of four sharing a premium themed room including breakfast, park tickets for two days plus early access to select rides. 0871 2222 001; legoland.co.uk.